I reprinted this article in its entirety because I could not have stated it better.
At KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS we are very proactive when it comes to balance disorders and fall prevention.
Our physical therapist and fitness trainers have years of experience and all programs are safe and private under Dr. Mishner’s supervision.
Call 941-556-7788 for more information. Note: Some programs may be covered by insurance.
 

According to a study performed at Florida State University, the effects of different fruits on osteoporosis were evaluated.
They found that after 12 months of eating dried plums (10 prunes/day), the study group that ate the plums had a significant increase in bone density as compared to the groups that ate other fruits (figs, dates, strawberries, apples and raisins).
It was thought that the dried plums decreased the rate of bone breakdown (which leads to osteoporosis).
Please note that weight bearing exercises and Vitamin D supplements are equally important in preventing osteoporosis.
Calcium?? We still don’t know but most calcium should be dietary and not pills due to heart issues.
 
KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS
941-556-7788

A dietary supplement called CITICOLINE appears to help mild memory loss and more importantly, may even decrease cognitive deterioration!
Studies also showed a slight improvement in Activities of Daily Living.
CITICOLINE appears to be safe and combining it with high doses of Vitamin B12 may be beneficial, especially in patients whose memory loss is due to vascular problems. Even better, these supplements are safe.

Eur Heart J 2012;Jul 5:[Link to Eur Heart J article extract | PubMed® abstract])
 
It has long been thought that high sensitivity CRP (C-Reactive protein) is associated withy inflammation and heart disease. This study found absolutely NO evidence that CRP testing predicts future heart events or needs for STATIN medications. This is 180 degrees different than what we had previously thought. 15 years ago, we also thought measuring and treating HOMOCYSTEINE levels would predict and lower heart disease, but this too is not true. The only way to prevent heart disease for those at risk is to eat healthy, exercise, control blood pressure and take a STATIN to try to lower the LDL cholesterol below 100.

For nutrition information or to schedule an appointment with our dietitian, Patricia King, please call Kaizen Total Wellness Center
(941)556-7788

Many of our patients get discouraged when the scale does not show a lot of rapid weight loss. Our recommendations suggest losing weight slowly over long periods of time in order to develop healthy lifestyle changes.
Most fad or gimmick diets that lead to rapid weight loss basically are achieved by water loss and muscle loss (not to mention up to 97% failure rate in keeping the weight off!). Our goal, at KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS is to teach you how to make muscle and burn fat. This does not occur rapidly. We also encourage our patients to drink plenty of fluids (there goes the diuretic effect!)
 
In order to achieve both weight loss and a flatter belly, one has to include strength training and make sure enough protein (and fat) is included in the diet. Building muscle will not only burn fat but burn more calories.
Since muscle weighs more than fat, some people will NOT see changes on the bathroom scale even though they continue to lose inches.
 
To learn more about healthy weight loss, make an appointment with our nutritionist and call for a free demo with our fitness trainers.
 
KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS
941-556-7788

Selenium is an antioxidant that is thought to have anti-cancer properties. Unfortunately, this is not true. Studies have had conflicting results: some show a preventive benefit while others show no benefit.
What is known is the selenium supplements can increase the risk of DIABETES! The authors of both of these studies concluded that, if one wanted to increase selenium levels in the body, the best way to do it was from your diet and NOT PILLS.
While we can monitor selenium levels in the blood, I am not aware of any insurance companies picking up the bill.
 
For more information on selenium and other nutrients found in your diet, please make an appointment with our dietitian, Patricia King, at the KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS Center.
941-556-7788

Osteoporosis occurs when bones become fragile and can lead to painful and sometimes fatal fractures, particularly of the wrist, hip and spine.
 
Switching to a Mediterranean-style diet could help millions of people protect their bones. While eating grilled fish, olive oil, vegetables and salads is already known to be good for the heart, researchers have found it also reduces bone deterioration caused by aging. Those on the olive oil-enriched diet for two years saw an increase in the serum osteocalcin, a protein marker that protects bones against the effects of aging.
Researchers at the Dr Josep Trueta Hospital in Girona, Spain, found olives and olive oil had a particularly beneficial effect.
This is the first randomized study which demonstrates that olive oil preserves bone in humans.
 
CONCLUSION:
Eating a healthy, balanced and calcium-rich (Mediterranean) diet, combined with weight-bearing exercise and vitamin
D through safe sun exposure is the best way to keep bones healthy.
 
KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS
941-556-7788

Lying around all day is NOT the way to keep fit!

Low testosterone is very common and it seems like commercials are on TV non-stop. The symptoms include fatigue, depression, poor sex drive, muscle loss and increased body fat.
For years, however it was thought that testosterone replacement was potentially dangerous for older men. We thought it would increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer.
An interesting study was just published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. In Sweden, a study was performed to evaluate the risks of osteoporosis in men aged 69-81.
There were no conclusions about osteoporosis, but what they found was a bit surprising. When the testosterone level was >550, there was a SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION in cardiovascular disease!
The authors concluded that testosterone replacement not only did not cause heart disease, it might also prevent it.
In our practice, we routinely screen all males older than 50 for testosterone deficiency.

(The following article is reprinted from “The Prescriber’s Letter”)
Feel free to print and send to your friends and family
 
Harvey S. Mishner MD/KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
941-747-2090
 

Have Meds Will Travel

 
Introduction
 
We all know how stressful traveling can be. Getting yourself and your belongings from one place to another isn’t always a simple endeavor. The restrictions on transporting nonsolid items (e.g., aerosols, gels, liquids) via carry-on bag on airplanes has unpleasantly surprised many well-meaning travelers over the past decade or so. Health care professionals may get questions from concerned patients about how their meds and other medical devices/equipment should be handled while traveling. For example, what are the rules about taking meds through security screening in airports? When crossing multiple time zones, what time should meds be taken? This document reviews tips and guidelines for air travel with meds, as well as tips for med administration when crossing time zones.
 
Practical Tips for Air Travel
 
All medications and associated supplies are allowed through airport security in the U.S. and Canada once they have been screened. However, there are a number of practical considerations for airline passengers to help things go more smoothly. These tips include:
 
Keep an updated list or letter from your doctor in your carry-on bag that includes your medical problems and current medications. Include the names and phone numbers of your health care providers and pharmacies in the event that they must be contacted.
If possible, obtain extra written prescriptions for a limited supply of your medications, in case your medications get lost during travel. (Note that experts caution against placing essential medications in checked bags because of the risk for loss, theft, exposure to extreme temperatures, etc).
To be extra cautious, keep prescription medications that are packed in your carry-on bag in their original prescription containers, labeled with the same name as on your passenger ticket. (This is not required, but recommended.) Putting a reasonable quantity of pills in pillboxes is probably okay, but keeping meds in labeled containers might help avoid problems.
If in doubt that an item can be included in your carry-on and it is not needed for the duration of the flight, place it in your checked bag to avoid hassle.4 (Again, some experts caution against placing essential medications in checked bags because of the risk for loss, theft, exposure to extreme temperatures, etc.)
If a liquid medication is packed in your checked bag, seal the medication in a plastic bag to prevent leakage onto clothing and other luggage contents. If the bottle is glass, wrap it in cushioning material before sealing it in a plastic bag.
Specific Recommendations for Air Travel
 
Packing nonsolid dosage forms and diabetes supplies might be trickier than packing a bottle of capsules or tablets for air travel. The following is information to help prevent problems (current as of July 2012).
 
Nonsolid dosage forms. With regard to aerosols, gels, liquids, etc. in carry-on bags, containers of 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less are permitted through airport security checkpoints via X-ray screening. The containers must be placed in one quart-size (1 L) clear plastic sealable bag. Containers of aerosols, gels, liquids, etc. that are larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 mL should ideally be placed in checked bags.
 
There are no limits on the amount or volume of medically necessary items (e.g., Rx meds, OTC meds, juice, liquid nutrition) that can be placed in carry-on bags. However, containers with volumes greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 mL of aerosols, gels, liquids, etc. must be declared to a TSA officer (U.S.) or Screening Officer (Canada). This can be done verbally or in writing, or by a person’s companion, caretaker, interpreter, or family member. These items must be kept separate from other belongings that are submitted for X-ray screening.
 
For passengers who are traveling with infants (newborn to 24 months), quantities of breast milk, baby food, milk, formula, etc. that are reasonable for the duration of the flight may be placed in carry-on bags. However, as with other items in volumes of greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 mL, these must be declared to an officer.
 
Diabetes supplies. TSA recommends that patients with diabetes tell the screener that they have diabetes and that they are carrying diabetes supplies. Patients with insulin pumps may request a full-body pat down and visual inspection of their insulin pumps as an alternative to walking through the metal detector. It is safe to pass diabetes supplies through X-ray screening, but a visual inspection can be requested instead. The following diabetes-related supplies and equipment are allowed through security checkpoints once they have been screened:
 
Insulin and insulin-loaded dispensing products such as pens (must be clearly identified)
Unlimited number of unused syringes (when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication)
Lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter strips, alcohol swabs, meter-testing solutions
Insulin pump and insulin pump supplies (must be accompanied by insulin)
Glucagon emergency kit
Urine ketone test strips
Unlimited number of used syringes when transported in sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container
Sharps disposal containers or similar hard-surface disposal container for storing used syringes and test strips.
In both the U.S. and Canada, a visual screening can be requested for any meds and medical supplies instead of an X-ray screening. Passengers who request this will be asked to display and repack their own meds to avoid damage and other problems.
 
Caution patients to check medication restrictions when traveling to foreign countries. The U.S. and Canada have rules that are very similar to one another. However, the rules may be different for other countries.
 
Taking Meds When Crossing Time Zones
 
Patients may ask when to use their meds when they travel across time zones. Most medications can be taken at the usual time in the new time zone. Taking meds according to elapsed time between doses as opposed to local time once a destination is reached might also be convenient, especially for short trips. Plus, it will help avoid uneven intervals for meds that are especially time sensitive. Some experts recommend this. However, it is not a hard and fast rule.
 
Another option might be adjusting administration of meds by one to two hours at a time to convenient local times once a destination has been reached. This strategy can help prevent having to wake at odd hours to take medication, sudden changes in dosing intervals, and taking more than the recommended dose of a drug within a 24-hour period of time on travel days.
 
The timing of insulin injections may need to be adjusted when patients travel across time zones. It’s best for patients to have a plan for this ahead of time. In general, insulin dose adjustments are not necessary when five or fewer time zones are crossed, or for north-south travel. Recommend adjusting administration of insulin when patients travel across six or more time zones.
 
For travelers going east, which shortens the travel day, less insulin may be needed. This may be especially true if one less meal is consumed. For travelers going west, which lengthens the travel day, more insulin may be needed, such as an extra dose of short-acting insulin four to six hours after the third main meal. However, when considering the potential need for adjustment of insulin dosing and administration, it’s also important to think about any variables such as flight delays, reduced physical activity on a day with a long flight, changes in eating schedule, etc. These generally call for checking blood sugar more frequently (i.e., at least every four to six hours), including during air travel.1-3,11 A basal plus short-acting insulin schedule or using short-acting insulin only may be ideal to cope with time zone changes on a travel day.
 
For individuals who use oral diabetes meds only, timing of administration is not as critical. However, taking two doses close together should generally be avoided to prevent hypoglycemia. For example, skipping the second dose of a twice-daily drug such as metformin might be necessary when travelling east.
 
The American Diabetes Association has more travel tips for patients with diabetes, at http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/medication/when-you-travel.html and http://www.diabetes.org/assets/pdfs/know-your-rights/public-accommodations/air-travel-and-diabetes.pdf. The Canadian Diabetes Association also has travel information at http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/living/guidelines/travel/.
 
Additional Resources
 
The CDC has tips for travelers with chronic illnesses at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-8-advising-travelers-with-specific-needs/travelers-with-chronic-illnesses.htm
 
Since the regulations concerning medications and air travel are continuously being revised, use the following links to verify the most current regulations:
 
United States:
 
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/disability-update.shtm
 
For a table of permitted and prohibited items, see http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
 
For general information concerning travel security measures, see http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm
 
Canada:
 
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority/Administration (CATSA) canadienne de la surete du transport aerien at http://www.catsa.gc.ca/home.aspx?id=1&pname=Home_Accueil&lang=en

Dimethylamylamine (DMAA) is being promoted as a workout booster to increase energy, athletic performance and burn fat.
It is marketed as a “geranium extract” but the FDA is questioning this. DMAA products are adulterated and no one really knows what is in them.
Please note that this is not considered to be a safe product and may lead to heart attacks. DMAA is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and by the US Military.

Repeated studies have shown that many people who begin an exercise program lose little or no weight. Some even gain weight. The implication is that “active, ‘traditional’ lifestyles may not protect against obesity if diets don’t change to promote decreased caloric consumption. The average professional athlete can easily eat 5000 or more calories a day and stay fit because they are able to burn so many calories when they work out. Unfortunately, the average person/patient is not capable of burning more then 300-500 calories during their “workout”.
I always tell my patients that, in order to lose weight, they have to learn to eat smart and healthy. Diets do not work and never will for long term success. A handful of potato chips or a few bites of pizza will offset an hour of exercise for most people.
So, why exercise at all?
Because feeling fit will make you feel better. It is beneficial for your heart, blood sugar and cholesterol. Regular exercise will also improve cognitive functioning.
But losing weight?
 
Appointments are available with our dietitian.
Easy to change eating habits, easy to maintain them - One small step at a time!

KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS
941-556-7788

This is the third in the series of Power Plate demos given by Dr. Jill Rose, Kaizen Total Wellness Physical Therapist, training for a triathlon in September at Siesta Beach. In this video, she demonstrates an exercise to strengthen pecs, triceps, deltoids, and core muscles. This will improve swim strokes and maintain correct posture for the competition.

Virginia A. Moyer, MD, MPH, on behalf of the USPSTF, (that stands for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) reported new recommendations for fall prevention among community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older after reviewing evidence on both the efficacy and possible harm from interventions. Dr. Moyer and colleagues reviewed data on multifactorial clinical assessment, clinical management, clinical education or behavioral counseling, home hazard modification, and exercise or physical therapy.
 
Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults aged 65 years and older, with 30% to 40% of community-dwelling adults older than 65 years falling at least once each year. Among these patients, 5% to 10% incur a fracture, laceration, or head injury from a fall.
 
The task force called its recommendation for exercise or physical therapy a grade B recommendation, meaning the service is recommended with a high certainty of moderate benefit. On the basis of a review of 18 studies that tested exercise or physical therapy, the USPSTF estimated the risk for falls would be reduced 13% (pooled relative risk [RR], 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 - 0.94). To prevent 1 person from falling, 16 people needed to undergo physical therapy or undertake exercise for 12 weeks. High-risk populations benefited most (pooled RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78 - 0.91).
 
Similarly, vitamin D supplementation was also a grade B recommendation, with the USPSTF concluding it has moderate certainty of moderate net benefit among older adults. In a review of 9 trials involving vitamin D supplementation, the authors estimated there was a 17% reduction in the risk of falling over the course of 6 to 36 months of follow-up, with a number needed to treat of 10. When studies targeted those who were vitamin D deficient, the effect was greater yet.
 
In contrast, the task force did not recommended multifactorial risk assessment with comprehensive management of identified risk for the general population of older adults. The authors stressed that the service would likely be beneficial only to selected patients, depending on individual symptoms.
 
Specifically, a combined analysis of 6 studies on multifactorial clinical assessment with comprehensive management resulted in a non–statistically significant reduction of risk after 12 months, with a pooled RR of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.76 - 1.0). The largest of these studies involved 1559 adults with a mean age of 72.5 years reporting a 25% reduction in the risk of falling in the intervention group compared with control patients (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64 - 0.88). Multifactorial clinical assessment with less-than-comprehensive follow-up was ineffective in reducing the risk for falls (pooled RR, 0.994; 95% CI, 0.917 - 1.076).
 
In addition, 4 studies that looked at vision correction failed to report a reduced risk of falling, and evidence for wearing hip protection was mixed. Although 1 study of 4169 women with an average age of 78 years reported a reduced risk of falling after 12 months, a smaller study found no benefit. Evidence of the benefits of protein supplementation was limited, as was evidence for clinical education or behavioral counseling. Three studies examining home hazard modification produced results that fell short of statistical significance.

* The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is comprised of an independent group of national experts in prevention and evidence based medicine that works to improve the health of all Americans. Click here to link to their highly informative website!

Kaizen Total Wellness Physical Therapist, Dr. Jill Rose is training for the triathlon in September at Siesta Beach. She has created a series of demonstrations illustrating the various workouts she accomplishes using Power Plate. Click on the above picture to link to Demo #2. This video shows excercise for strengthening glutes, upper back and core to improve the push off biking and running.

Shown are five exercises that been designed for use on the Power Plate, specifically for knee injury rehabilitation. If you would like a legible printed copy of these five demonstrations, and to find out whether they would be of help to you, please contact Jill Rose, Physical Therapist, at our office. Kaizen Total Wellness, (941) 556-7788

The hidden danger in grilling and how we can grill safer.

Grilling is a favorite past time for many of us living on the suncoast; however there are possible dangers we need to be aware of. Grilling meat can create heterocyclic amines (HCA’s) and polycyclic aromatic amines (HCA’s) both of which are known cancer-causing substances. Interestingly, grilling veggie does not produce HCA’s. The American Institute for Cancer Research explains that cooking meat at higher temperatures such that is used in grilling and frying, cause significantly more HCA’s to form that the moderate temperatures that are used in baking. There are steps we can take to reduce the amount of HCA’s and PAH’s in our grilling.

* Do not over cook the meat: Those who eat their meat “well-done” as opposed to the individuals who prefer their meat “med-rare” have a 3 times higher incidence of stomach cancer!
* Marinate the meat: The Journal of Food Science has shown that rosemary-marinated meat reduces HCA formation by 90%!! Ginger,garlic, onions, tumeric, fruits and spice rubs are also healthy choices that aid in the reduction of HCA formation.
* Pre-cook and cook slowly: Charring leads to PAH formation
* Remove chicken skin: Removing the skin not only reduces the amount of HCA formation but also cuts calories as well!

Low to moderate exercise is beneficial to health and enhances immunity. Over-exercising however, causes stress on the immune system, resulting in higher-than-average colds, flu, and recovery rate after exercise. Marathon runners are especially prone to negative side effects of strenuous relentless exercise. Suppression of the immune system results and this temporary susceptibility to microorganisms and viruses cause an increase in diseases including cancer.
What prominent immunologists and sports physiologists have found is that excessive physical stress causes tissue damage and promotes an increase in the release of cortical and pro-inflammatory factors. Have you ever noticed that many marathon runners look aged? Without a solid diet and nutrient program, these “healthy people” are actually speeding up their aging process, resulting in muscle wasting and sagging skin!
The body will find the nutrients it needs even if it has to steal them from muscles, bones and connective tissue! The key is to make sure you are getting the maximum nutrition for the amount of physical exercise expenditure.

At Kaizen Total Wellness, we have Fitness Professionals and Nutritionists to work side by side with you, balancing your nutritional needs with an appropriate exercise routine.

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is the result of a workout. If you participate in an activity your body is not used to, the difference in muscle use may result in micro-tears in the muscle fibers and connective tissue. This may happen when you take a new type of fitness class, introduction or even a change in resistance training (whether adding more weights, slowing the tempo, increasing the sets and reps) running up and down hills when you’re accustomed to running on flat ground, -or farther than you are used to. Any of these variables implemented into your workout routine result in both a more challenging workout and an increased possibility of DOMS. As your body works to heal itself you may feel some pain and even some low-level inflammation. Before you scare yourself into becoming a couch potato, clicking the TV remote for your cardio routine; let me further say that these microscopic tears actually are required to promote stronger, lean healthy muscle tissue! Which as we know, is both a whole lot healthier as well as more aesthetically appealing than the fat which could be in it’s place. That being said, let’s move onto what we can do for ourselves to help alleviate the symptoms of DOMS:

http://youtu.be/ab5vWtapSQY

Natalie Kane,CBS Minnesota
April 26, 2012
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — There’s a new machine popping up in gyms across the Twin Cities that’s doing the workout for you.
Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, there’s a little more to it than that.
At a glance, the Power Plate looks like it’s at a standstill, but the machine vibrates up to 50 times per second.
Steele Fitness personal trainer Josh Hetterick explains how the Power Plate works.

“What’s happening is you’re not moving, but your muscles are getting that vibration,” he said. “So it feels like you’re doing a ton of squats. But you’re not. You’re holding that muscle in place and it’s actually being used. But what the vibration is doing is rapidly going back and forth; back and forth contractions.”
Here’s why it’s great – not only are muscles getting a more intense workout by having to stabilize and react to the vibrations, but you’re holding one movement. And that can really help your joints.
“The joints are going to feel a lot better because they aren’t going up and down,” Hetterick said. “You’re not grinding. But the muscles are still getting the effect, if not a greater effect.”
Think of it as getting the results of 40 to 60 squats in 30 seconds, while only bending your knees once. Same goes for push-ups, triceps dips and beyond.
According to Hetterick, the Power Plate is also useful post-workout.
“With this, you’re actually massaging the muscles so that more oxygen can get into the muscle,” he said. “And when more oxygen gets into the muscle, you have a better chance of recovery. That lactic acid that causes that soreness is flushed out.”

Professional sports teams/athletes sometimes have very poor diets, which seems strange when you consider how much money elite athletes can make.
One team, the Baltimore Ravens have just changed the way their players eat at their training complex. What’s new includes a salad bar, fruits and healthy entrees. What’s gone are fried foods, white bread, rice and white pasta. Regular potatoes have been replaced by sweet potatoes, which have a lower glycemic index. Vegetable oil has been replaced by olive oil. They also use color-coordinated indicators: red (eat in moderation), yellow (middle of the road) and green (eat all you want).
These changes are actually very simple to duplicate for yourself. All you have to remember is to eat whole grains, fruits and veggies and leaner meats.......and to use common sense when it comes to portions.
For more information, appointments are available with our nutritionist.
 
KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS
941-556-7788

There are some athletes and people in general who claim they feel better avoiding gluten. (GLUTEN is a protein found in wheat, rye barley etc that can lead to inflammation in the intestinal tract if you have an insensitivity to it. CELIAC patients will often complain of very non-specific symptoms, like gas, bloating, diarrhea, etc and the diagnosis can be be very difficult to make unless one actually thinks to order the appropriate tests.
The question is: Does it help to avoid even if you are not allergic to gluten?
Well, no answers. Just anecdotal results. There is no science supporting avoiding gluten and please remember gluten free products are often high in fat, sugar and salt.

Here he is - promoting his coffee beans!!

Kaizen Total Wellness delivers nutritional counseling, fitness training and rehabilitation, massage therapy, and physical therapy services. Some times it is nice to deliver laughter!

Our physical therapist, Dr. Jill Rose is training for a the Olympic Sprint and Triathlon on Siesta Beach. Take a look at what she will be doing:

Our Physical Therapist, Dr. Jill Rose in action

A recent article was published in the June 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association comparing an Atkins type (very low carbohydrate) diet with a low glycemic diet and a low fat diet. They found that the Atkins diet actually burned the most calories, followed by the low glycemic diet.
The low-fat diet derived 60 percent of its calories from carbohydrates, 20 percent from fat and 20 percent from protein. The low-glycemic-index diet contained 40 percent carbohydrates, 40 percent fat and 20 percent protein. Low-glycemic foods tend to be less-processed foods, such as vegetables or whole grains. The low-carbohydrate diet, similar to an Atkins diet, contained 60 percent fat, 30 percent protein and 10 percent carbohydrates.
However the Atkins diet also increased stress hormones and inflammation. We also know that high fat diets also increased atherosclerosis in laboratory animals.
The low fat diet had the worst effects on the metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity and lipids.
The winner appears to be the low glycemic diet, which is the one we teach at Kaizen Total Wellness.  

Certain Diets May Help Body Burn More Calories: StudyLow-carb and low-glycemic plans work best, but low-carb regimen has drawbacks

Lawrence Metcalfe, CPT,CAN,LM is one of our three highly qualified fitness trainers on staff at Kaizen Total Wellness. In addition to being a Certified Personal Trainer he has an extensive background in health and fitness including being certified as a Certified Nursing Assistant and working for several years as a Licensed Massage Therapist. He has taught TRX, Judo, Akido and spinning classes, and continues to work with groups of young athletes in the Special Olympics. At Kaizen, he is certified in both Power Plate and bioDensity training. He is also trained and certified as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist.
We are proud to be associated with Mr. Metcalfe who brings excellent credentials to Kaizen Total Wellness.

A recent journal article from Japan showed the benefits of exercise in combating Alzheimer’s Disease.
Alzheimer’s occurs most commonly over the age of 65 and the lack of exercise may play a large role in its development.
It appears that a protein called AMYLOID builds up in the brain and can be decreased with regular exercise. It is interesting that different diets showed no benefits when compared to exercise (unless you were a mouse!).
Please note that medications do not work well and the best treatment is prevention.
 
At KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS, we offer exercise programs in private with our certified trainers in a safe, low-impact environment (utilizing Power Plate and bioDensity technologies) that is safe for all ages and supervised by both our physician and physical therapist.
Call for more information or schedule your free demo.
941-556-7788

Whether you are traveling or staying right here at home, we hope that you continue to have a safe and health summer!
The United States has an strong interest in keeping our citizens safe while traveling. Click on the link below to open a page of information for travelers from the Bureau of Consular Affairs in the State Department. Check out the travel warnings on the upper right side of the page. Also, there is a drop-down menu with more detailed  information on every country.

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Weakness and atrophy of the quadriceps muscle is a common problem with people following ACL reconstruction surgery.  Training these muscles lead to increased co-activation of the extensor and flexor muscles of the leg improving joint stabilization, strength and circulation.  A study published in the German magazine of Sports Medicine found that the Power Plate helped to improve recovery.
Beginning 3 weeks following ACL repair, participants in the control group performed standard physical therapy twice a week for 10 week.  Participants in the Power Plate program used the Power Plate program 10 minutes twice a week in addition to the standard physical therapy. 
Study Conclusions:

1.    The Power Plate Training group experienced no muscle atrophy or weakness at 6 weeks post op; while the control group suffered femoral muscular atrophy, weakness and decreased coordination.
2.    Twelve weeks after surgery, the Power Plate Training group was more satisfied with the results of the surgery; participants were stronger and felt better.
3.    The Power Plate Training group reported less pain than the control group.
4.    Research evidence suggests that Power Plate® Training- executed on the "classic" Power Plate machine - is a significant resource for patients wishing to enhance recovery and regain strength in order to return to daily activities of work and sport.

Kaizen Trainers Lawrence, Jennifer, and Rebecca

Our trainers invite you to take advantage of our "quiet season" and purchase ANY Personal Training Package through August 31, 2012 to receive 25% off!
If you have been wanting to try out the Power Plate and the bioDensity machines this is a great opportunity. Our trainers are Power Plate and bioDensity certified!

(Click on this book to link to more information about it)

For years we have telling our patients that omega-3’s can reduce cardiovascular events. The FDA says that fish oil products have to state: “Supportive but not conclusive research shows the using fish oil may reduce the risks of heart disease.”
Researchers have reviewed 14 recent studies, involving 21,000 patients, which showed no evidence of improvement after five years in patients either using fish oil or nothing. There was another study involving diabetics who took fish oil supplements for 6 years and this too showed that in spite of lowering triglycerides by 14%, had no effects on heart disease.
 
Those of you who are readers of my blogs or patients of mine know my take on fish oil and lipid-lowering drugs. That is, only STATINS have been proven to reduce heart disease (not vitamins, herbals, or even other types of prescriptions!)
It now appears that the best way to lower your risk of heart disease (besides being born lucky) is to eat right, exercise, control your blood pressure, don’t smoke and lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol less than 100. Raising HDL (good) cholesterol either by the use of medications, exercise, red wine, etc. has not been proven scientifically to have any benefits......but stay tuned as ongoing medical studies could change out thinking again.

Pharmacists are extremely important in the health care field. They are trained to fill prescriptions, verify instructions from physicians on the proper amounts of medication to give a patient, to check whether the prescription will interact negatively with other drugs,  instruct patients on how and when to take a prescribed medicine, advise on potential side effects. However, they do not have the training of a physician. They have the training of a pharmacist. Two separate fields of expertise.

Kaizen Physical Therapist Jill Rose is training for the Siesta Key Triathlon on August 4, 2012. She's done them before but this is the FIRST time she is incorporating the Power Plate and bioDensity machines in her training.  We will keep you up to date as this event gets closer! Jill explains what is involved in her training:

Using the bioDensity machine is a safe and controlled approach to the benefits of high impact activity. Impact is the stimulation that enables bone mass density as well as muscular density to develop in childhood.  In adulthood these benefits can be seen in high impact activity such as gymnastics with above normal bone mass density and incredible power-to-weight ratio, but injury risk makes this activity impractical for most adults. Regular use of the bioDensity essentially improves the structure of the body, the building blocks of movement and function for increased quality of life. At KAIZEN TOTAL WELLNESS, all sessions are private and supervised by a bioDensity certified fitness trainer.
 
IS USING bioDensity SAFE?
 
Yes. The bioDensity device was designed to be safe, effective and an efficient way to increase bone density, muscle tissue density and connective tissue density. During a bioDensity session each participant is positioned in the strongest biomechanical position to produce force in four different directions. This ensures that the body can safely withstand the load that is being provided in the activity. Also, the machine is self-loaded so each person dictates the force that is applied (i.e. you are withstanding the load that you, yourself produce).
 
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE A bioDensity SESSION?
 
Your first bioDensity session will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The session can be completed in street clothes (flat soles shoes are recommended). All other sessions are shorter in duration.
 
WHAT WILL I “FEEL” BEFORE AND AFTER DOING A bioDensity SESSION?
 
When completing the four movements in bioDensity you will be required to produce maximal force for five seconds each. The force that you produce would be equivalent to pushing an object of significant weight and size in four different directions: (1) forward using your hands; (2) forward using your feet; (3) upward using your knees and (4) upward using your arms and legs together. After completing a bioDensity session you will feel like you’ve completed physical work. You will feel warm (from increased blood circulation and work completed by the muscles) and you will notice an improvement in your posture (from the decompression of the spine and joints from the impact loading). Within 24 hours you feel muscular fatigue but not soreness.
 
WILL MY MUSCLES FEEL “SORE” AFTER DOING A bioDensity SESSION?
 
Unlike traditional weight training you will not experience the type of muscle soreness that usually accompanies those types of training. Because the movements only require (5) seconds of maximal work your body will not produce the by-products that cause muscle soreness.
 
WHAT DOES THE bioDensity PERFORMANCE REPORT TELL ME?
 
The bioDensity report is a visual representation of the average maximal loads reached during each bioDensity session. In each of the graphs (Chest Press, Leg Press, Core Pull and Vertical Lift) you will see your baseline reading and the last ten sessions recorded. It will also document your overall increase in strength from your first session to the last and provides feedback on your improvement after each session. Your bioDensity certified trainer will be happy to not only print or e-mail a summary of each session to you (or your physician) but will also be happy to explain the results to you.

The Denver Bronchos training on a row of Power Plates

A recent study from the Annals of Internal Medicine (Ann Intern Med. 2012;156:551-559) evaluated the benefits of epidural steroid injections versus placebo (saline) and found no difference in pain relief.
They randomly selected 84 patients who had pain less than 6 months and found NO difference in back or leg pain.
We always recommend conservative treatment consisting of physical therapy, massage therapy and fitness training BEFORE any invasive treatment is considered.
 
For more information, please call Kaizen Total Wellness, 941-556-7788

A study from the Annals of Rheumatic Disease (2012;71:642-647) showed that patients who used STATINS (Lipitor, Crestor, simvastatin, etc.) found the odds of reducing the progression of osteoarthritis of the  to be 57% greater when compared to non-statin users. The study took place in Rotterdam and included 2,921 patients aged 55 or greater. The participants had to be taking a statin for at least 4 months and did not have to have high cholesterol in order to use the medicine. There was NO improvement in arthritis of the hip.
The reason STATINS would help is because of the anti-inflammatory benefits of the medication. This is one of the reasons we think it helps cardiovascular diseases and why we do not recommend herbal supplements for heart disease prevention. Why the knees and not the hips? Sorry, I don’t have an answer for that.
*Please note that STATINS are not FDA approved for arthritis and that this blog is for information purposes only.

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Bone mineral density screening is generally recommended for women 65 years and older and men aged 70 and older without risk factors. Screening should begin at age 50 for women and men with an increased risk.
 
The following increase the risk of osteoporosis:
 
Low body weight
Low body mass index (BMI)
Lack of exercise/sedentary lifestyle
Poor nutritional status
Alcohol abuse
Smoking
Estrogen deficiency
Family history of osteoporosis
 
 
Getting adequate calcium and vitamin D is the cornerstone of osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Calcium and vitamin D are the only two supplements that have been consistently shown to decrease fracture rates. Dietary sources are preferable, but many people should get a calcium and vitamin D supplement, especially if they don't get sufficient high-calcium foods and exposure to the sun. Recommend either calcium carbonate or calcium citrate for most patients.
 
Remember that even if you take medications for osteoporosis, such as a bisphosphonate, a calcium and vitamin D supplement is still important.
 
Soy isoflavones or ipriflavone seem to help prevent bone loss (But may also increase the risk of breast cancer). In combination with adequate calcium and vitamin D, ipriflavone can increase bone mineral density.  Women interested in soy should stick with soy protein.
 
Many herbs are promoted for osteoporosis, but there's not enough good clinical evidence to support their use. Some trace minerals might help for osteoporosis prevention. But evidence is too preliminary to recommend separate mineral supplements. A multiple vitamin supplement generally supplies all of the trace minerals needed.
 
The importance of diet and lifestyle for preventing and treating osteoporosis can not be emphasized enough.  Smoking and excessive alcohol is bad for bones. Appropriate total body weight resistance  exercise is a great way to not only build bones but to stay in shape and improve health.
 
At Kaizen Total Wellness we are pleased to offer both Power Plate and bioDensity training to improve bone density.
For more information, or to schedule a free demo, please call 941-556-7788.

Power Plate Used for Rehabilitation

Gil Romiro is a patient who was in a seriously injured in an accident and told he would never walk again. His physicians suggested intensive Power Plate therapy. See the video for his description of  what he calls a "miracle."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc-k_N6T3CQ&feature=colike

Cellulite is a common problem for women of all ages. Vibrational training has been shown to be effective. In a German six-month long research project into the effects of Acceleration Training on cellulite, 55 subjects were divided into two groups:
 
One group did Whole Body Vibrational Training for 8-13 minutes, two to three times a week
The second group performed the identical vibrational exercise, plus another 24-48 minutes of cardio training, two to three times a week
Baseline measurements were collected at the beginning of the study, and repeated six months later. The data collected included:
 
Skin condition (the measure of cellulite or evaluation of the deposits of dimpled fat under the skin).
Circumference of calf muscles, buttocks, and upper thigh.
Body composition: body fat percentage, lean mass percentage.
After six months, the Whole Body Vibrational training group only had a cellulite reduction of just below 26 percent, while the WBV plus cardio group had a cellulite reduction of just over 32 percent. The authors concluded:
 
"This study proves that easy, simple and efficient whole body vibration training can defeat cellulite; it can accelerate and enhance collagen remodeling, improve circulation, increase lean tissue, help people to lose fat and reduce the size of buttocks, thighs and calves."
 
Our trainers are all certified by Power Plate International and all sessions are private.
Kaizen Total Wellness
Lakewood Ranch, Florida

We have it here! Right in Lakewood Ranch! At Kaizen Total Wellness!! Call us for your free demonstration!

The bioDensity system has been in development for the past 15 years, but has only been available to the public for the past 3 years.
bioDensity technology helps to link the gap between medicine and strength training.